Page 81 of Between Two Shores

Chris bounced back an inch and frowned.

Marcus interrupted with a tap on Chris’s shoulder. “Chef, Jensen called in sick. Who do you want me to ask to replace him?”

“Um. See if Sam doesn’t mind coming in. If not, I’ll cover it.” Chris focused on Lachlan as Marcus strode through the swinging doors. “How come she hasn’t told you?”

“We were headed out to celebrate her upcoming article for the National. Then the receptionist handed her Nick’s letter. Beth didn’t want to ruin our lunch date, so she put the mail aside.” He scratched at the back of his hairnet. “Some celebration. We barely touched our food. When we got back, her Quokka story needed attention, and I had appointments all afternoon. Last night she led the study group at Youth Connect, but she didn’t call afterward. Every night we video call if we haven’t seen each other. No matter how late.”

Chris’s mouth lifted on one side. “Sweet.”

Lachlan let go of a smile. “Yeah, but—”

“But—you have nothing to worry about. She’s into you, man.” Chris leveled his gaze. “Nick’s in the past. You are her future.”

Lachlan rubbed the back of his neck. “Beth has a compassionate heart. What if Nick has asked for another chance? Promised her he’ll work on his issues. I don’t know how close they were. Maybe she really loved him and still does.”

“Buddy, why are we talking about this? Ask her. Put yourself out of your misery. Have the rest of the night off. Go see Beth.”

Lachlan shook his head. “You’re understaffed as it is. I can’t leave you in peak hour.”

“Bro, you’re breaking my best dishes and burning my premium cuts.” He chuckled. “I’ll save money. Go see your woman. Sort out your love life.”

Lachlan untied his apron and lifted it over his head. “Since you put it that way—I will.”

Once in his Barina, Lachlan sent Beth a text. Got off work early. Can I come see you?

He clicked his seatbelt and drove toward the outskirts of Fremantle. At the next traffic light, he tapped his phone. The message remained unread. Maybe she was talking to Nick? Had she been messaging him all last night? A sick sensation swelled in his belly. He glanced at his speedometer and took his foot off the pedal to slow down. Breathe. Beth isn’t going anywhere.

When he reached Beth’s front door, Melissa answered his knock. “Hey, there.” she blew her bangs from her eyes. “Beth’s not here.” Her Australian accent was strong.

Lachlan shoved his hands in his back pockets. “Do you know where she is?”

Melissa leaned against the doorway. “Said she was visiting her dad.” Melissa’s penciled eyebrows rose. “Are you okay? Your skin is a little patchy on your cheeks. Coming down with something?”

He rubbed his chin. “Maybe.” He stepped back. “I’ll give Beth a call. Sorry to disturb you.”

Melissa smirked. “All right. Take care, then.” She closed the door.

As he strode to his car, he whipped out his phone and speed dialed Beth.

She answered straight away. “Hi, Lachlan. Are you on break?”

He slowed his pace. “Haven’t seen my message?”

“I mustn’t have heard my phone ding.”

“I’ve got the night off. Wanna catch up?”

“Um. Hang on a sec.” Muffled voices came next. Winston and maybe her sister. “Okay. Let’s meet. Where do you want to go?”

“How about South Beach? We can go for a walk on the foreshore.”

“Argh—”

Was that uncertainty in her voice?

“All right. I can be there in ten minutes.”

“Great. See you soon.” He popped his trunk and grabbed his suede jacket. Spatters of grease covered his pants, but there was no time to change now. Inside his car, he rattled the contents of his glove compartment, searching for deodorant. Where was it? Papers fell to the floor along with other junk. He really needed to clean out his car. Life was busy with working at the restaurant a few nights and counseling during the day. He sniffed his armpit. Not bad. Next, he angled the mirror and fixed his hair. If he got it cut, he wouldn’t need a hairnet at work. But he enjoyed having it a touch longer for once. With the same style for five years in the Navy, it was a welcome change.

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